Does CBD Coffee Really Work? Here’s What The Research Says

This may come off as a surprise, but human and coffee beans both have origins in the great continent of Africa. Historians have declared the first interaction with the bean in the 15th century when our ancestors found it had the unique ability to suppress hunger and revitalize energy even into the night. This elevated the coffee bean to a sacred status and gave it a happy home in our sleep-deprived, early morning rituals, ritual fasting and even in entering mystic states of consciousness.  The cannabis plant also has a unique relationship with humanity and our bodies. The ritual use dates back to ancient times, as referenced in ancient Hindu texts and is just now being included in conversations of science and medicine. With barriers to research now being lifted, Cannabis, particularly the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) component can be recognized as one of the most diverse organic gifts the planet has to offer. With all the benefits that these two substances have to offer, what happens when you mix them together? Let’s explore why this backed-by-science combination is an exciting option for those seeking a new buzz!    

Why It Works

Adenosine is an important chemical base flowing freely in our blood and naturally binding to matching receptors found in tissue all around the body. When adenosine binds to it’s corresponding receptor, nerve activity slows and blood vessels expand. This induces an overall drowsiness as blood flow opens up resting and digesting pathways of the body. Relaxation calmly follows and we might soon find ourselves being woken up by the next day’s alarm. The caffeine molecule has a remarkably similar shape and structure to adenosine. It’s naturally attracted to the adenosine receptor and can form an almost complete bond. Drinking a cup of coffee floods the bloodstream with caffeine molecules, mimicking the adenosine compound and binding to its receptors. Our rest and digestion pathways are subsequently blocked resulting in weak signalling to the brain that the body needs to rest. Instead, the brain gets that electric buzz our ancestors worshipped over half a millennium ago.  

Benefits of CBD Coffee 

CBD is no stranger to the human body and is even produced deep within organs and tissue as an Endocannabinoid. The endocannabinoid system is involved with our central nervous system, various organs and the immunity centres of our bodies. These endocannabinoids help to regulate our bodily systems and functions and keep everything running smoothly and regularly.  Interestingly, a CBD molecule is also shaped to bind with adenosine receptors. When bound, a CBD molecule blocks both adenosine and caffeine molecules otherwise destined for the receptor. By consuming CBD coffee, we introduce a boost of both caffeine and phytocannabinoids to the bloodstream. This creates the classic coffee buzz paired with the calming and relaxing properties of CBD. In the long term, consuming appropriately dosed CBD coffee regularly could be a new and natural way to optimize and maintain our brain’s optimal functionality.  Increasing cannabidiol concentrations in the body helps facilitate our rest and digest pathways essential for homeostasis. Additionally, the dual bind of phytocannabinoids and caffeine to adenosine receptors double blocks the natural adenosine pathway and leaves more free-floating adenosine. Researchers have recently found higher concentrations of free-floating adenosine, particularly around the brain, bring on neuroprotective properties and even decrease inflammation after brain trauma. Researchers have also highlighted the importance of specialised cells known as “microglial” cells found throughout our central nervous system. These cells are responsible for isolating and clearing “debris” leftover from brain and spinal cord activity. The functioning of microglial cells diminish as the brain ages, which can result in the poor clearing of debris in the brain space. Brain inflammation is found in the background of almost all chronic neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Now, studies have shown that regular, low doses of caffeine can have a direct role in reducing the misfiring of microglia cells and increasing the efficacy of microglia-mediated inflammation clearance from brain space.    

How to Use CBD And Caffeine 

Of course, we should make conscious and educated decisions about everything that goes into our bodies. We all have varying levels of sensitivity towards certain substances and researchers are very clear in emphasizing the importance of dosage levels of CBD in caffeine blends.  Higher doses of CBD in the caffeine blend may bring on undesired, sedative effects. CBD is best added to coffee from oil-based tinctures to ensure precision in dose. A CBD oil mixture with a non-emulsifying agent is recommended as this facilitates breakdown between the oil and hot water.  

Final Thoughts

In an interesting development of human curiosity, agriculture and innovation, CBD coffee is the resulting creation with exciting compliments to our body and mind. It is important to note that CBD and coffee don’t have ‘magical’ and harmonious interplay but rather, they work independently and simultaneously at the cellular level.  An appropriately dosed CBD caffeine blend could be an enjoyable way to switch on, ease out and maintain optimal brain function throughout life. Enjoy!